Security agencies will review safety precautions for MPs’ homes and offices after numerous federal politicians told police and Asio in safety briefings that they were worried about widening threats after the alleged attack on Helen Haines. The Labor government and politicians across the parliament are still considering how they will respond when they return to Canberra next week, with ideas being floated including a new committee on MPs’ safety, greater resources for police, and motions of condolence for Haines, who lost both her legs after Monday’s incident. Renewed calls from the crossbench for reforms to question time and the tone of debate in parliament are unlikely to be taken up by the major parties.
In safety briefings with the Australian federal police and Asio granted to Labor, Coalition and crossbench MPs on Wednesday, security of homes and electorate offices was a common concern, according to Guardian Australia interviews with 10 MPs. While a broad review of safety and security is unlikely at this stage, multiple MPs across the political spectrum told Guardian Australia they had spent thousands of dollars of their own money to install safety features based on the advice of the federal police. Federal ministers receive stronger security assistance but numerous backbenchers said they felt under-resourced, saying many angry constituents may see all politicians as a homogenous group, and may not differentiate between cabinet members and ordinary local MPs.
We represent the system to them, as much as anyone else,” independent Monique Ryan said. the recorded 951 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against office holders. Last year, that increased to 1,067. On Thursday, a Western Australian man was charged after he allegedly made verbal threats while in possession of nunchucks outside an electoral office in Perth.
No one was injured as a result, Western Australia police said, and his bail was refused. A number of politicians asked to speak anonymously to discuss reflections from the briefings. While many praised the AFP’s response when their staff contacted them – for instance, to seek advice on holding public events – some said they had received less timely assistance from local police when they requested help, such as to respond to aggressive visitors.
Numerous MPs said they did not want security guards or armed escorts for themselves in public but that they felt alarmed for the safety of their homes and families. Some said they would feel more comfortable with cameras and floodlights at home, and had decided to pay for their own upgrades after not being offered such features in risk assessments conducted by security agencies. One independent MP said crossbenchers questioned whether extra home security features should be paid for by the public.
Several MPs said they wanted more security and safety support but questioned how much impact that would have on their overall safety and how much more the could do. Guardian Australia was told security officials had committed to assessing safety settings of MPs who raised specific concerns. While a broad-ranging government review is at this stage not expected, other responses could include giving MPs more information on the background work that policing agencies conduct year-round, such as threat assessments and periodic checks.
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